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Charinez Jefferson, six months pregnant, was shot multiple times in the chest and head just after 10 p.m. Tuesday in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood, police said. The baby was fighting for his life. (Published Wednesday, Aug 17, 2011)

A newborn baby continued to fight for his life Wednesday evening after his mother was shot and killed.

Police said the 17-year-old mother, identified as Charinez Jefferson of the 600 block of South Albany Avenue, was shot multiple times in the chest and head just after 10 p.m. Tuesday in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood.

Pregnant Teen Mom Shot, Killed

Charinez Jefferson, six months pregnant, was shot multiple times in the chest and head just after 10 p.m. Tuesday in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood, police said. The baby was fighting for his life. (Published Wednesday, Aug 17, 2011)

Detectives believe Jefferson was walking down the street with a male companion and several other people in the 3000 block of West 64th Street when someone opened fire. Jefferson's mother, Debbie, said she was on her way home after hanging out with several friends.

First responders found Jefferson in critical condition and in cardiac arrest. She was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn on advanced life support and pronounced dead at the hospital just after 11 p.m.

Mugs in the News

Jefferson's baby was delivered and was in stable condition, doctors said Wednesday. Jefferson had another 1-year-old child and was going to be a junior at Banner Therapeutic Day School.

"She begged the shooter not to shoot her because she was pregnant, and now a 7-month-old baby is clinging onto his life," said Pastor Tavis Grant with the Rainbow Push Coalition during a Wednesday evening vigil.

Debbie Jefferson said she has no idea what happened or why someone would shoot the expectant mother, but she doesn't believe her daughter was the intended target.

Police are still searching for the shooter.

Family, neighbors and community leaders gathered Wednesday night to beg for help in finding the shooter.